Gov.-elect Abbott creates ‘strike force’ to probe health agency
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott will deploy an independent “strike force” to delve into the state’s beleaguered health agency, whose contracting with an Austin tech company is already the subject of a criminal investigation and inquiry by the state auditor.
“In the wake of recent revelations at the Health and Human Services Commission, my transition team has taken steps to ensure there is a full and thorough outside review of management, operations, and contracting at the agency,” Abbott said Wednesday in a news release.
Abbot said he is calling on Billy Hamilton, the former deputy comptroller, to lead an independent review of the Health and Human Services Commission.
Kyle Janek, the executive commissioner of that agency, said he welcomes yet another look into how his agency has handled multi-million-dollar contracts like the no-bid $20 million contract awarded to 21CT. A $90 million contract extension with the Austin tech company was canceled last month following an American-Statesman investigation. The commission’s Office of Inspector General contracted with 21CT to aid in Medicaid fraud investigations.
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional/gov-elect-abbott-creates-strike-force-to-probe-hea/njnpK/
